Today, more people are looking into different security options for themselves, their businesses, events, and homes than ever before. When researching their options, the last thing often considered is understanding the difference between private and public security. While public and private security serves the same purpose, huge differences between each option may affect your business. Here’s what you need to know about private and public security to make an informed decision that is best for you.
What is Public Security?
The government provides public security services, including police, detectives, federal officials, and other public security officials. The public sector’s primary concern is the general public’s safety since a private organization does not fund them. This also means that public officers must operate within specific governmental standards and restrictions but have the authority to arrest.
What is Private Security?
Private security is a privately owned security service hired by specific clients instead of being funded by the government. Private security guards often have strict training and certification standards. Despite this, they lack the power and authority to detain or arrest anyone.
What Type of Security Should My Business Hire?
There are several pros and cons for both private and public security. Let’s take a look at each to understand the key differences.
The Pros and Cons of Public Security Officers
Law enforcement in the public sector requires years of advanced state/federal training that sometimes can only be found with private security officers if they have previous law enforcement training. Public law enforcement agents are authorized to arrest, carry a firearm, and use appropriate force at their discretion. The presence of law enforcement often improves the general public’s perception of safety while reducing crime in the protected area due to their distinctive uniforms.
Despite these advantages, there are several clear disadvantages to using public security. Public funding from the government often limits law enforcement from utilizing technology like metal detectors or cameras. Additionally, law enforcement is restricted by the laws and policies they protect in the city or state. Their main concern is keeping the public safe, not necessarily protecting the interests of your business or event.
The Pros and Cons of Private Security Officers
Private security is not governed by the same standards as public security guards and is entirely dedicated to satisfying the business or individual that hired them. Instead of adhering to the same restrictions that law enforcement does, private security can focus on the job at hand and perform the duties required by the client. While training is not required for private security, high-quality private security companies will hire guards with previous military, law enforcement, or government backgrounds and require a standard of training and credentials.
Since there are no governmental standards for private security, there are risks with hiring a company with inexperienced, untrained guards. Having untrained guards increases the risk for businesses and individuals, which could lead to legal consequences.
Making the Right Choice
There are a few disadvantages to using a private security company over public security, but choosing a reputable company requires due diligence and research.
At Best WORLD Security Services, we offer highly trained guards with previous military, law enforcement, and government experience, along with tailored security plans to fit the needs of any business. Get in touch with us today for a free security evaluation and quote.
